Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lansing, MI: $33.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lansing, MI runs $33.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,152 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,097 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lansing, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) is $33.73, which reflects a somewhat lower rate compared to the national median of $35.74. For those working part-time, specifically three days a week, their hourly earnings can facilitate a stable income even with a reduced schedule, especially in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Entry-level OTAs may start at around $22.35 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $43.82 per hour. This hourly range provides flexibility for OTAs exploring various work arrangements, whether they opt for part-time schedules or more sporadic per-diem positions. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures and represent the range of opportunities available in the local workforce.
About the Lansing Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.35 | $178.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.46 | $235.64 |
| Median (P50) | $33.73 | $269.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.10 | $304.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.82 | $350.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lansing
Based on $33.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $70,162 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,478. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,349.28 | $5,847 | $70,162 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $809.57 | $3,508 | $42,097 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.71 | $2,339 | $28,065 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lansing) | $33.73 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lansing, MI earn a median of $70,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.62% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% above the Michigan state average of $69,252.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.73/hr = $42,097/year (purchasing power: $45,169).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,162/year (purchasing power: $75,282).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lansing grew 17.5% from $27.91/hr (2019) to $32.81/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lansing metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Lansing
Considering a three-day work week of 24 hours can significantly affect annual earnings for OTAs, as these professionals might realize around $45,000 a year, which is notably less than what full-time counterparts might achieve. Per diem arrangements, commonly billable at rates between $30–$45 per hour, allow OTAs to adjust their workload on-demand, particularly during the fluctuating demands of the healthcare environment in Lansing. Additionally, travel contracts can yield earnings of $1,100 to $1,700 per week, although the recent 15% Medicare payment cut has resulted in decreased premium pay for many agency positions. Various employment settings, from educational institutions to skilled nursing facilities, may offer differing rates, leading some OTAs to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, considering the work environment and the possible trade-offs can empower OTAs to make informed decisions that align with their financial goals and career aspirations in MI.
More salary data for Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lansing in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lansing?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lansing paid hourly or salary?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Lansing. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lansing is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov